Neither player is being risked in training, as it is expected that a move to St James’ Park should be completed in the coming days.

It was reported by the Chronicle that the Magpies hope to make progress in a deal for Mitrovic this weekend, as his future has been undecided for many weeks now. He has long been linked with a move to Tyneside, but the ongoing delays look to have ended the chances of a move.

Mbemba was also linked with the Magpies, as per the same media outlet, but the interest only seems to have been formalised this week. With the centre-back now out of training, it appears as if a move is progressing at a fast pace, and it could be that the Congolese international is confirmed as a Newcastle player before next week.

The Magpies have only managed to sign one player this summer, leaving them far behind many of their Premier League rivals in the transfer market. But it looks as if they are starting to move forward with the plans to sign two targets - and Mitrovic and Mbemba look close to switches to St James’ Park.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.